Where are you from, Gabrielle?
I’m from Plainville, Connecticut.

Tell us something about your family?
I’m an only child and I live with my father, Rafael.  My dad was not given the opportunity to go to college when he was young, so it is very important to me to excel in school and get a college degree.

Did you apply to any other colleges besides CNR?
Yes. I applied and was accepted by Boston College, Fairfield University, St. Joseph College, Northeastern University, and Simmons College.

Why did you decide to go to The College of New Rochelle?
I decided to go to CNR because the College was able to meet both my personal and financial needs. I always wanted to go to a women's college that had small classes where I could receive the personalized education that I knew I would need to excel. However, most colleges with those characteristics are very expensive, but CNR met all my needs-personal and financial--and I consider myself very fortunate to have been accepted.

What is the most challenging part about being a student?
For me, the hardest part about being a student is to achieve a balance with work, family, school, and relationships. It can really be overwhelming at times and test a person's strength.

How do you like the new laptop program?
I was thrilled to get a new laptop when I enrolled at CNR. It saved me lot of money, and I’m someone who is always looking for a bargain. Besides helping me with my work, the computer also lets me stay connected with my friends and teachers.

Do you have any favorite teachers?
I really like my writing teacher, Dr. Elisabeth Brinkmann, and, of course, my Spanish professor, Dr. Nereida Segura-Rico. I really enjoy Spanish and would love to travel overseas to Spain or Latin America.

Have you been to Manhattan?
I've been to the city a few times, and I enjoyed my visit to Museo del Barrio. Also, I’ve gone on the Midnight Run with Campus Ministry, which was a very enlightening and humbling experience.

What do you usually do on weekends, Gabrielle?
I catch up on homework on Saturday and go to mass on Sunday morning. I love being active in the church and Campus Ministry. In the afternoons, I like to walk over to one of the parks down on Long Island Shore. But my favorite weekend activity is going out for dessert - especially cheesecake - with, Ruth, one of my closest friends.

Do you belong to any clubs or organizations?
Yes, I participate in LAWS and am active in the Campus Ministry. I don't play sports, but I’m always working out in the fitness center!

What has surprised you the most about CNR?
I guess I’m most surprised by the amount of support provided by students, faculty, and everyone else here at the College. Everyone tries to help everyone else to succeed. It’s like being part of one big family, and for an only child, wow, that’s thrilling.

When do you expect to graduate? 
I’ll graduate in 2008 and plan to go immediately to graduate school and earn my master's. I want to be a nurse practitioner, but I haven’t decided on a specific field. I know my undergraduate years here at CNR will help me choose the right path. My biggest dream is to have a career in nursing where I can wake up in the morning and look forward to the work I will do during the day. I don't want to regret the choices I have made in life. And I want to make my father proud of me. He has always supported me and I want to show him that I am capable of achieving. I live my life according to a quote from Seneca: "Let us train our minds to desire what the situation demands."